YEP journalist tips ‘intelligent’ Jaidon Anthony to ‘really acclimate’ to Leeds United on loan move
Jaidon Anthony will “really acclimate” to the Leeds United squad and will bring “good defensive attributes” and “intelligent” pressing to Elland Road, according to Joe Donnohue.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said on the Inside Elland Road Podcast (6 September) that Leeds’ deadline day loan signing has both the footballing and personality traits to make his spell in Yorkshire successful, nothing his “down-to-earth” nature.
Anthony joined from Premier League Bournemouth in a player-swap deal, with Luis Sinisterra making his way to the Vitality Stadium.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast, Donnohue said: “I think he is more than enough. I just got off the phone with somebody who covered Bournemouth during their promotion season under Scott Parker, and he was speaking in real glowing terms about Jaidon Anthony, about his ability on the pitch, but also his demeanour off it.
“He’s very down-to-earth, normal guy, very jovial and will have a conversation with anybody. It really sounds as though at 23, he will really acclimate to this Leeds squad nicely. It’s not as if he’s coming into a team really well-established and full of veterans and senior players.
“Then you look at the stylistic fit, right-footed, left winger, good defensive attributes and a hard worker. I’ve been told he’s a very intelligent presser which I think is important given how advanced Leeds are going to be in the final third.”
Positive signs
The forward was a regular for the Cherries in the Premier League last season, making 30 appearances in the top flight, but most of his minutes came off the bench and a loan for regular first-team football seemed sensible when he put pen to paper for Daniel Farke.
He managed two goals in the Premier League last season, so should be able to manage the added pressure of playing more regularly in the Championship.
Donnohue’s assessment of the 23-year-old will do a lot to get Leeds fans excited about him. His footballing talent would have been obvious to anyone watching, but his intelligence in passing and pressing will have been key in Farke’s decision to bring him on board.
However, his personality and friendliness could shine through before any form on the pitch. As a loan player, it can be tough to get into the swing of a new club, especially when you know you won’t be there come May.
However, if Anthony can let his “jovial” nature come to light, he could bond with his new teammates and, hopefully, improve Leeds’ performances on the pitch.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist has suggested a Whites starter’s position could be under threat.